524td project "Rommel's Rod"

[BuzzBomb]

So I got it pushed into place in the driveway, about to start stripping it down to the shell and prepping for paint. It's going to be the new home for all the parts that I took a really long time gathering, and currently in my daily, the car in my avatar. Why dismantle a perfectly good running car only to build a car that looks just like it? The final product will have a clean titled 524td VIN, and if you live in CA, you know why it's worth the trouble... Deep tissue massaged B35 or 745 power plant. The options are endless with this VIN.

[meanEG]

Looks fun, I like the diesel though. I am sure that the gasser will be alot more fun though

[BuzzBomb]

Honestly if it was a running td I would have drove it for a while. I got a pretty good deal on it as a roller, so I guess I wasn't meant to drive a diesel. ;)

[MR 325]

Very cool. Nice score! Did it come with the original engine or just a roller?

[BuzzBomb]

Nothing underneath. Engine-trans-shaft-diff-axles were gone. Interior out. It's perfect, since it saves me time removing that stuff. Still a long road ahead.

[BuzzBomb]

A few updates, getting ready for paint:
Firstly, kids, don't believe someone who says that the little paint bubbles that are peeking out from under the window seal is just a little surface rust, or that it's an easy fix. It never is. What you're seeing is the tail of the beast. The origin is always much more dramatic. I'm having those spots cut out and new sheet metal welded in. Also having the rear lower valance replaced with Euro sheet metal that includes the exhaust cut-out. Then all the US bumper trim and other holes filled and re-texturized.

[2mAn]

Nice pickup. Why not go wild with the powerplant since you're free to do as you please.

[BuzzBomb]

524td project "Rommel's Rod"

Installing M-Tech wheel arch flares, doing it right. I know most people seem to think that just cutting the mounting studs off and using adhesive is the preferred method, but I don't agree. Since I like punishment, I ordered the templates and all the mounting hardware from the dealer. Strangely, the front left jig(template) is NLA but the others aren't.

For anyone interested, the process (since the instructions from BMW is no longer available either) is thus:

Gather all the hardware, including the jigs.

Tools needed are drill, small pilot hole bit and the full size bit for the holes you need to drill (!), sandpaper, center punch, hammer, mallet, self-etching primer.

1)Take some time and test fit the templates. There are no instructions, which makes this a challenge. You would think it would be obvious where to lay the templates, but it isn't. Probably start with the front flares, since you can adjust the hole position in the fender if you don't get it right since you didn't get the jig positioned correctly. The rears use grommets so you gotta get it right the first time.

2)Remove the backing tape and apply the jigs. You can peel them off a few times safely to reposition them. Because the front L side jig isn't available, you'll need to use the backing from the right side and hold it in place on the fender with tape.

3)Center punch the mounting holes.

4)Drill pilot holes, then use larger correct size bit(rear), the first bit is enough for the fronts.

5)Remove jig, de-burr the holes by lightly sanding the surface of the opening. Dust the new holes with primer and let dry.

6)Push the grommets into the rear holes, and seat them with the mallet if needed.

7)Install flares: rear just push on, fronts are held by nuts that have the rubber seal, the same ones used for the "is" rear spoiler.

[BuzzBomb]

Nice pickup. Why not go wild with the powerplant since you're free to do as you please.

That's the plan, Mr Man!

[2mAn]

I figured it was since you went through the trouble to pick up a diesel reg'd car, but the " deep tissue massaged B35 or 745 powerplant" had me thinking you werent going wild. carry on. I'll be watching :)

[phreshkid]

Might as well go s62. I know Jed has an extra one sitting in the warehouse. Transmission is there too.

[freeride53]

might as well go v16

[MarkB]

Subscribed for sure, would love me an e28 one day. Diesels do not need to be smogged in Cali right?

[16v_e30]

might as well go v16

I've got a Veyron engine in my garage if you want it OP. Should bolt right up to a 524td, no mods necessary.

[BuzzBomb]

Some good suggestions. I'll consult my therapist. If he says to do it, I'll get a new therapist.